Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is regarded as one of the most acceptable and admirable treks in the world. It is manageable and achievable in 10 days without losing its highlights and significance.

All through the journey, you will have astonishing views of several mountains – Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang and more

The most demanding and rewarding section is Thorong La, which has an elevation of 5,416 m.

You will be overjoyed by seeing the diverse landscapes, lush green forests, and alpine meadows. Furthermore, you’ll also explore Mustang – the perfect blend of the Tibetan Buddhist culture & values.

While trekking, you expect to encounter the Gurung, Manang and Thakali communities. Furthermore, you’ll also see chortens, flags and prayer monasteries.

On the 7th and 8th day of the trek, you’ll visit Muktinath – a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

The Annapurna route will provide you with a comfortable and cosy tea house to relax rest and acclimatize your body. You’ll be delighted by the warmth and hospitality of locals.

During the journey, we’ll serve you fresh & healthy foods that will be Dal, Bhat, Mo: Mo (Dumplings) and Tibetan bread.

There is also a chance to see the wildlife –Himalayan thar, blue sheep, snow leopard and more

Hence, one required good physical fitness, stamina and endurance to complete the trek.

Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit short trek is a moderate to challenging trek. It is not a casual walk. It is appropriate for the trekkers with good physical fitness, strong determination and prior experience.

The length and its durations are challenging. It takes around 10 days to conclude. Furthermore, you have to walk 6-7 hours per day. On day 7, it exceeds 8 hrs.

The journey involves steep climbs, ascents and descents. The most difficult part is to cross Thorong La Pass, which has an elevation of 5,416 meters. It may lead to several health issues and problems like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and several other problems.

The trek leads us to the rugged terrains, rocky paths and slippery trails that can be more challenging.

The weather is unpredictable and unstable even at the lower altitudes of the Annapurna region. The sudden storms may also affect our walking trails.

While you do not require technical climbing or athleticism, a good level of fitness is necessary. You’d better take part in cardiovascular training like swimming, jogging and running at least 6-7 weeks before the trip.

Despite these obstacles and hindrances, the Annapurna Circuit trek is the second most preferred trek in Nepal after the EBC.

Preparations of the Trek

The Annapurna Circuit short trek, typically accomplished in 10 days, requires careful planning & preparations. The journey is demanding and challenging. It takes the trekkers above 5,400 meters. Your planning includes: physical training, mental readiness and logical arrangements.

To make the trip enjoyable, you must have excellent fitness.  You’d better get involved in endurance training and cardio exercises like swimming, jogging and running at least 6-7 weeks before the trip.

The strength training – squats, lunges and planks is equally significant. You may also take part in hiking training. It would be helpful to enhance your stamina and vital body power.

If you have the time and possibility, spend some time at higher elevations before the trek.

Your mental health is equally important during the journey. A practice of Yoga and meditation leads you to a peaceful and pleasant hike.  Prepare yourself mentally to live with limited facilities and minimal luxury for some days.

Remember, your equipment is crucial. Make sure to prepare all essential gear including footwear, accessories, sleeping gear, trekking poles, first–aid kit and other items.

Carry all necessary documents including a copy of the passport, permits and travel insurance. Additionally, bring a sufficient amount of Nepalese rupees because ATM is available till Besisahar.

Altitude Sickness & Prevention

“Altitude sickness is a condition, not a disease. It occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. On the Annapurna Circuit short trek, hikers ascend above 5,400 meters, where the body may not get adequate oxygen. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness, age, or trekking experience.”

The common symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath and more.

It also leads to severe high-altitude problems that include Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE).

To moderate the risk of altitude sickness, we have acclimatised and rested during our journey. It is necessary to adapt and adjust to the high altitude and changing environments while you are trekking.

Here are some essential preventive measures that are helpful for trekkers.

Gradual Ascent:  Schedule your acclimatization and give priority to the gradual ascents. Don’t be in a hurry while trekking

Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated and drink at least 4-5 liters of safe water during the journey.

Eat healthy & Nutritious – Eat healthy, high calories and nutritious meals which helps maintains your energy

Alcohol & Tobacco – Avoid consuming alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco during the journey. It low down your stamina energy and strength

Medication –Consume the Diamox, aka Acetazolamide before the high-altitude hike

Listen to your body – Never ignore any health symptoms you feel during the journey.

Conscious: Be conscious of your health. If you feel you can’t, then kindly avoid the trek.

Remember, consult your doctor and have some tests before starting the trek.

Is Annapurna Circuit trek possible for the beginner’s?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is generally regarded as a moderate trek. It is appropriate for beginners, but it depends on excellent fitness and mental resilience, preparation and strong determination.

It is the short version of the Annapurna Circuit that reduces walking days and skips some of the demanding sections of the trek, which makes its accessible for those who have never been on the long trek yet.

The trails are managed and well established, with an adequate number of tea houses and accommodation facilities that make it a beginner-friendly trek.

The trip is not a short & easy hike. It takes the trekkers above 5,400 meters, where altitude sickness could be a big concern. Further, you also have to walk 6-7 hours a day, navigating rugged terrain, including uphill and downhill walking. The unpredictable weather is also crucial. The beginner has to adapt the environment to the changing weather.

To make the journey effective and fruitful, you’d better start preparing 6-7 weeks before the trip. You may be involved in the cardiovascular activities – cycling, swimming and jogging. You may also walk with a 6-7 kilogram backpack. Hiring an experienced guide is very important for your comfort and safety.

If you are a beginner, choose the comfort season, Spring and Autumn, rather than Winter or Monsoon.

Ideal Season for the trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is technically done all the year around. However Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) is widely regarded as the promising time to enjoy the adventurous journey.

Spring (March-May) –  The Spring is one of the ideal seasons for the Annapurna Circuit short trek. During this time, there are mild temperatures, clear skies and long day hours.

While trekking, you will see the blossoming rhododendrons everywhere in the region. Further, you’ll have comfortable trail conditions. Aside from this, it is an ideal time for bird-watching, spotting wildlife, and experiences the traditional festivals.

Autumn (Sep-Nov) –  Autumn is the pick time of the Annapurna Circuit short trek. During this, there is cool temperatures and stable weather. You’ll get the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges including Annapurna, Manaslu, Tilicho, Pisang, Gangapurna and other peaks.

You learn the culture and traditions of Nepal through our festivals, Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, which falls in October-November.

Winter (Dec-Feb) –  Winter is not worthwhile for the Annapurna Circuit trek.. The temperature drops to -10°C to -20°C at higher altitudes. There is a heavy snowfall. As a result, the trails were blocked temporarily, and the path became slippery. Due to the lack of transportation, some tea houses are closed at the higher altitudes. Some high passes like Thorong La are temporarily closed.

Despite that, you’ll get a crisp view of snow-covered mountains, clear skies and a calm atmosphere with a small number of trekkers. Beginners are not recommended to trek in winter.

Monsoon (June-Aug) –  The Monsoon is the last best option among all seasons. All through the season, there is heavy rainfall everywhere. The journey becomes slow and sore.

The upper valley trails become impassable. Due to the poor visibility, you cannot enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and landscapes. The leeches and mosquitoes are more active this season. The medical services and the helicopter are delayed due to the bad weather.

Accommodation & Living Facilities

You are going to stay in a standard and luxurious hotel while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We’ll have a variety of accommodations during the trek that include lodges, tea houses and guest houses.

The tea houses are the heart of the Annapurna regions. It is run by the local families along the trekking route. They offer their trekkers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is quite cheaper than hotels of Kathmandu and Pokhara. You have to pay around 5 to 10 USD per day.

The rooms are fully furnished and comfortable. You’ll get a single or twin bed along with a pillow, mattress and blankets.

The bathrooms are shared among the trekkers. “Toilet facilities vary along the route—Western-style toilets are more common at lower altitudes, while squat toilets are typical at higher elevations.”There are no room services. You have to enjoy the meal with the fellow trekkers.

There is also an option of camping at a higher altitude. You’ll get an authentic cultural experience while staying with the local family.

Availability of Food & Meals

The Annapurna Circuit is a modest trek compared to TSUM valley, Upper Dolpo and Manaslu circuit. Therefore, you’ll enjoy different varieties of tastes and cuisines. We normally provide three courses of meal – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our meal pours of all nutritional value. Here are the details.

Breakfast (the refreshing meal) – It is the first meal of the day. It usually serves around 6-8 A.M. You’ll have variety of choice and options that includes: porridges, eggs dishes, sel roti, puri tarkari, chow chow soup, oats, cornflakes and muesli.

Lunch (the power meal) – By considering the popular Nepali saying “Dal Bhat ko Power” 24 hours hour, we’ll serve you Dal, Bhat, Tarkari – the staple foods of Nepal. “Furthermore, you can also enjoy a variety of other dishes such as Chapatti, veggies, lentils, Mo: Mo (dumplings), Spaghetti, Rice Pudding, Thupka and many more.

Dinner (the comfortable meal) – The trekker usually prefers the same Dal, Bhat, Tarkari for dinner. Along with that, you may also enjoy the buffalo, goat and chicken meat. Aside from this, there are several other options that include: Tibetan bread, Fried rice, potato dishes, Sherpa stews, Pizza, pasta, Noodles and Thupka.

Beverages – During the journey, you will enjoy with the several beverages that includes – Tea (Milk, black, lemon), fruit juices, coffee, cola, and local alcoholic drinks.

All through the journey, we will provide high nutritious foods that are freshly prepared. At the higher altitudes, there may be a limited food options.

Necessities of Travel Insurance

Trekking in Annapurna region is a short trek, it involves high-altitude challenges. It leads to the probability of acute mountain sickness, nausea, vomiting, irritation and shortness of breath. Furthermore, it is also helpful and saves you from unexpected circumstances.

When you hike above 3,000-3500 meters, insurance is essential for you. Further, the Annapurna Circuit trek is more challenging due to variable terrains, remote locations, icy paths, sub-tropical forests and long walking days

The 10 days trek takes you above 5,400 meters with limited facilities of the availability of medical services.

Here are some points that consider its significance.

• Rescue from the helicopter; in case of any emergency, injury or illness
• Should cover hospitalization, treatment all medical expenses in Nepal for the foreigner’s trekkers.
• It reimburse all your cost ; if your trip is cancelled due to political unrest or any other natural disasters
• Protects your baggage, documents and gears during the journey
• A complete financial solution to your trip
• Peace of mind while you are on the trek.

Remember -keep digital printed copies of your insurance while travelling.

Permit & Documents

To be a part of the thrilling and adventurous Annapurna Circuit trek. You need a couple of permits.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, aka ACAP, is a mandatory permit to trek inside the Annapurna region. It helps to maintain and regulate tourism and the overall development of the area. It costs USD 30 for the foreign trekkers and NRS 1000 for SAARC nationals.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) – It is a TIMS card that is designed for the safety and security of the trekkers. It is helpful in rescue and emergencies. It costs USD 20 for the individual trekker. The group trekkers may have a different fee structure.

Where to obtain – You can easily obtain these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Additional information

• Do carry an original permit and passport while trekking
• Permits are checked at the conservation checkpoints
• Keep them safe; otherwise, your trip will be delayed
• Your passport must be valid for six months
• The tourist VISA will be issued at Kathmandu Airport
• You need to submit 4-5 passport-size photos.

Extra Expenses

We, the 3A Adventure, are one of the promising trekking agencies of Nepal. Once you book trip with us, it includes everything that you need during the journey. There are certain things that you have to manage yourself.

During the journey, you have to pay for the hot shower (2 to 5 USD). Additionally, you have to pay for gadget charging and WI-FI at high altitudes. In the lower valley, it may be free of cost.

If you forget equipment like crampons, poles, sleeping bags, head lamp or any other gear, expect to buy or rent in Kathmandu.

You have to buy yourself your medical supplies like Diamox, First Aid kit, oral solutions, wet wipes or tissues.

The packaged foods, snacks, chocolates, alcohol and cigarettes are expensive due to the high transportation cost.

There may be availability of laundry services, which cost around 200-500 NPR.

Tipping the guide and porter is not mandatory. However, it is appreciated if you pay.

Tour Guide – 5-10 USD per day

Porter – 3-4 USD per day

The helicopter rescue is available in emergencies, but it is expensive (2000-5000 USD), and is manageable through your insurance.

Important Points

• Carry sufficient Nepali Cash rupees. You can easily exchange or withdraw from ATMs in Kathmandu
• Bring a power bank to reduce your expenses
• Ask about the prices before a hot shower, wi-fi and gadgets charging.

Transportation and Communication Facilities

We, the 3A Adventure, always provide effective services to our valuable clients. During the Annapurna adventurous journey, all road transportation will be arranged and taken care of by us.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, our company employee will pick you and escorts you to the reserved hotel in a private vehicle.

The next day, we will take a local bus to reach Besisahar. Similarly, on the 2nd day of our tour, we will drive from Besisahar to Chame.

After concluding our leg journey, we’ll take a ride from Muktinath to Jomsom and then to Tatopani. Smilarly, the next day we drive to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu in the last day.

Regarding communication, you can purchase an NTC or Ncell for browsing the internet. You will get good coverage in the lower village. However, there is a low signal above Manang.

The Wi-FI services are available at a tea house with a minimum cost of 200-300 NPR.

Group Trek vs. Private Trek

Selecting between Private vs. Group trek depends on your choice, preferences and priorities.

A group trek is a properly managed trekking journey where several trekkers join under the same itinerary whereas private trek is a fully customized tailored personal preferences, dates and pace.

The private trek offers you more personalized experienced compared to the group trek. It is costlier but you have your personal guide and porter.

Group treks are ideal for those who want to share their experiences with fellow trekker’s in a minimum cost. However, there is a less flexibility, you stuck up with planned pace, time, date and schedule.

Similarly, Private trek provides you more flexibility during the trip with your family, friends and loved ones.

Here you see the Comparison table